Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There may well be and I am open to suggestions in that regard. As Deputy Ryan knows, the solution to every problem is another Bill rather than using the existing structures far more efficiently to deliver. Deputy Ryan was at the national economic discussion on Monday at which the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform made the point that it is not just about spending new moneys but it is about whether we are spending our existing moneys wisely. Can we spend moneys in a better and more efficient way? There is a structure for collecting money which I do not believe is being delivered in as an efficient a manner as it could be in respect of revenues coming in. There are many aspects to that. Deputy Dooley's suggestion in regard to Revenue may very well be something at which we could look. The number of people who claim they do not have a television is rising rapidly. I honestly do not believe this is the reality. There are a number of avenues are open to us in the short term and I believe it is more fruitful to take an avenue that will bring real cash into the broadcasting sector.

The Deputy raised the issue of public service broadcasting. I met the independent broadcasters and addressed their annual conference earlier this month. I met RTE's representatives. There has been a benefit from the synergies between RTE and the independent broadcasters.

The radio app has been a phenomenal success. We can build on relationships like that. I do not think the objectives of RTE are as divergent from the objectives of the independent broadcasters as people would like to think. I think they are willing to work together and I am willing to assist them in that process.